Resource Directory /

Recreation and Inclusion Resources

  • Developmental Disabilities Employment

    The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) seeks to maximize opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to work in competitive integrated employment.

    The division’s Developmental Disabilities Employment Resources list provides the latest information on the division’s efforts toward employment for people with developmental disabilities. It includes a list of DDD-supported employment providers that also provide employment services funded by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. The list aims to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand the options available to them when searching for an employment supports provider.

  • Different Dynamics in St. Louis

    Different Dynamics is a non-profit organization providing music programming for people of all ages, neurotypes and abilities who have a love of music.

    Different Dynamics activities and programming include:

    • The Music Exploratorium music studio space
    • The Music Workshop featuring music and movement activities for the entire family
    • Sensory-friendly performances

    For questions, please contact Different Dynamics at (314) 496-9060 or YourFriends@DifferentDynamicsSTL.org.

  • Digital Literacy Training for People with Disabilities and Their Families

    The Arc and AT&T offer digital skills training nationwide to people with disabilities and their families. The safe and accessible digital skills trainings aim to help people with different learning styles gain the skills they need to apply for jobs, be socially connected and more.

    You can access online courses anytime on AT&T’s website.

    The Arc of Illinois also offers in-person workshops. For more information, visit The Arc of Illinois website or email becca@thearcofil.org.

  • Disability Belongs

    Disability Belongs is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit focusing on accessibility, inclusion, belonging and empowering people with disabilities. They provide a wide range of resources, including training, webinars, networking and fully accessible leadership and internship opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Disability Belongs also provides:

  • Disability EmpowerHer Network

    Disability EmpowHer Network is a non-profit run by and for girls and women with disabilities that connects, motivates, and guides girls and women to learn and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. The group, based in Rochester, NY, focuses on building skills and community by connecting girls with disabilities with successful women with disabilities to serve as mentors and role models.

    Resources and programs include:

    •  A stories blog
    • EmpowHer Camp (a year-long program)
    • Letter from a role model
    • Get a Mentor
    • EmpowHer Expressions, a public speaking and career coaching program

  • Disability Resource Center in Joliet

    The Disability Resource Center provides advocacy, peer support groups, S.K.I.L.L.S. independent living classes, visual impairment services, seminars, workshops and more for people with disabilities in Will and Grundy counties.

    Programs also include:

    • Deaf and hard of hearing services
    • Information and referral (I&R) for accessible housing, where to buy assistive devices, how to secure a sign language interpreter and more
    • Assistive technology for children up to age 23
    • Personal assistance program and information

  • Discovery Center Museum in Rockford

    The Discovery Center Museum is a fully accessible, nationally recognized children’s museum in Rockford, featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits. It follows the Smithsonian Institute’s accessibility guidelines, providing ramps, accessible restrooms, an elevator, and ample space around exhibits. An adult changing table and wheelchairs are also available. Guests can explore ways to make bubbles, a calm space, a giant soft brick playland, and a multi-sensory space to discover the science of optics and light.

    To learn more, contact information@discoverycentermuseum.org or call (815) 963-6769.

  • Do It for the Love

    Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself, your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.

    For more information, email info@doitforthelove.org.

  • Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters

    The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.

    These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:

  • DREAM Project Dance Videos

    The National Dance Institute has a series of YouTube videos of their inclusive dance program called the DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts and Movement). The project provides children with disabilities the opportunity to dance and perform. Each dancer is encouraged to achieve their best through teamwork, creativity, empathy and discovery.